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Family days out in Sussex | © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

Family-friendly places to visit in Sussex

Discover great places for family days out with the National Trust in Sussex, including Nymans, Bodiam Castle, Petworth and more. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find acres of space, half term activities, natural play areas and café stops.

October half term in Sussex

Looking for a day out in Sussex that’ll keep the whole family entertained? Find the best family-friendly places to visit and discover fun-filled Halloween activities.

A Pumpkin with a funny face sitting on the ruins wall.

Half term at Nymans 

Enjoy a spooky half term at Nymans with Halloween-themed fun and games, pumpkin faces, witches’ hats and a bubbling cauldron. The play glade is the perfect shady spot for nature explorers with den building and a woodland cabin to discover. 19 October to 3 November.

Families in fancy dress taking part in a thrilling Spell Quest to save the castle from the clutches of a wicked warlock during Halloween at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Bodiam Castle 

Join a thrilling quest to save the castle from the clutches of a wicked warlock. Follow an immersive family trail with magical lights, spooky characters and a witch’s cauldron. Complete all the challenges to become hero of the castle and claim your prize. Halloween costumes for magical, spooky photos are welcome – there’s even a best dressed costume competition on select weekends (12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 31st October and 2nd, 3rd November). 9 Oct to 3 Nov, 10am to 5pm, £3 plus admission, suitable for 4 to 8 year olds.

Family enjoying autumn in the Rotunda at Petworth

Half term at Petworth 

Visit us this October half term to join Petworth's Academy for Witches and Wizards! Take part in our fun-filled Halloween trail around the gardens, where you will join one of Petworth’s houses to learn how to master your magical skills. Race broomsticks around our obstacle course, find hidden potion ingredients, and take our quiz to discover your animal familiar.

A family of visitors

Half term at Sheffield Park and Garden 

Head out into nature as autumn paints Sheffield Park and Garden in vibrant colours. Plus look out for giant red mushrooms dotted around the gardens, complete with Fantastic Fungi jokes and facts. Trail runs throughout autumn until 19 November.

Illustration of a Scottie dog

Half term at Bateman's 

Follow in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling as he discovers what his Scottie dog, Malarkey, has been getting up to around the house and garden. Follow the trail at your own pace – suitable for families with primary school aged children. 5 October to 3 November.

Young child in a witch's costume with the hat over her head

Half term at Standen 

Join us for a spooky half term at Standen with Halloween games, creepy crows and bats on this family trail around the garden. Trail with gift £3. 12 October to 3 November.

Come out and play at these places around Sussex

Family exploring nature in the park at Petworth, West Sussex
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Petworth House and Park 

Petworth Park is an exciting place for families to explore. Roam through acres of parkland and look out for the fallow deer herd. The ancient tree trail includes hollow trunks big enough to crawl inside, plus there are games and activities every school holidays.

Ducks and a family at Sheffield Park and Garden
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Sheffield Park and Garden 

Whether you are visiting with friends or family, there are plenty of new things to discover and fun ways to get active in nature at Sheffield Park and Garden.

Three boys walking along a woodland trail at Hatchlands with their arms round each other.
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Standen House and Garden 

Find family-friendly things to do at Standen, from walking in the woodland and building a den, to seasonal trails in the house and garden.

Child crouching down among autumn leaves on a misty morning
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Things to do with the kids at Nymans 

Join in the fun with a Halloween half term trail in the school holidays and see 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' this Christmas with family trail and magically decorated house. Discover natural play in the Play Glade, activities and events in the school holidays and an ancient woodland and garden to discover, there's lots of fun for families at Nymans. Picnic anywhere in the garden, or pick up a snack from the cafe or kiosk. Baby change available by the house and in the cafe and car park.

The cliffs in twilight at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex
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Birling Gap 

There’s so much for you and your family to see and do at Birling Gap. Hunt for ocean finds along the strand line and look for fossils on the beach. Don't forget pop in to the café for an ice cream or a slice of cake too.

near Eastbourne, East Sussex

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Visitors on the bridge, looking over the River Dudwell in the garden at Bateman's, East Sussex
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Bateman's 

Planning a day out with family? There’s plenty of things to see and do waiting to be discovered at Bateman's.

Family playing on thrones in the courtyard at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
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Family-friendly things to do at Bodiam Castle 

Discover things to see and do on a family visit to Bodiam Castle. Join in with activities and let your imagination run riot in this Medieval setting.

House reflected in the mill pond at Bateman's, East Sussex

Discover more in Sussex

Sussex is a place of iconic coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle.